As our readers know, 2011 is all about celebrating the arts here at Lilly Pulitzer. So it makes perfect sense that one of our choice philanthropic partners for 2011 would be Urban Arts Partnership. We’re very excited to have Philip Courtney, Executive Director, with us in the Guest House today. We’ve asked him to tell us a little bit about Urban Arts Partnership and give us a peek into some of the exciting programs they have planned this year.

We love sharing the stories behind our prints- there’s always something interesting to tell. (though they often speak for themselves!) Today, we wanted to share something new- the story behind one of our favorite patterns – the Lilly Lace Jacquard.

Lilly always trimmed her shifts in lace and it is sooooo iconic. Of course we wanted to take that iconic lace and put it on… everything! So we used it as a pattern to weave right into the fabric- even our bright, happy solids are literally, embedded in Lilly history! Now, even when you decide to go solid, you are still making an oh-so-very Lilly statement.

Check out our Spring dresses that feature this feminine pattern in a structured jacquard (and you know we LOVE it in every color!) Don’t forget to ZOOM IN!

We’re celebrating our last set of Carolina Cup stores this week- Mint Julep and Pink. If you haven’t gotten your Carolina Cup dress you surely should soon and who better to help then the fine staff at either of these stores. They’ll make sure you’re looking fabulous on Saturday, April 2nd! Here they are to share a little bit about themselves & their shop!

Our print feature this week focuses on Lilet. This favorite soft and feminine print is part of our Impressionism delivery and was inspired by Monet and his work’s characteristic small & visible brush strokes. If Lilly lived back then, surely they’d call her “Lilet.” [Li-lay for those of you who aren’t following along] And we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention that a little Lillet may have influenced this print as well. After all, what are you sipping while painting and being influenced by french impressionistic art?! After one glass, everything has a dewey glow!

Since today is all about celebrating the luck of the Irish, we really wanted to share the luck of our [Irish] customer, Kelley! She was one of our lucky “Pack for Paradise” winners this year and she shared this picture of herself shopping at the Lilly Pulitzer Domain store in Austin, Texas where she entered to win!

Kelley and her family will be vacationing at the new luxury resort, Balcones Del Atlantico in the Dominican Republic. (Pause for a mental vacation now by viewing these amazing pictures) Now don’t be jealous of Mrs. Kelley- she has to deal with all the stress of what to pack! Here’s what she told us she’s planning to pack right now…

“I will definitely be packing my pink Lilly polo and some flower shorts! Yesterday I looked at the knit dresses so they won’t wrinkle. I love happy flowery pants/capris – so who knows. I will mostly take swimsuits, flip flops, sun glasses and some resort wear to wear to dinner – and of course, sun screen!” Sounds like Kelley has all the important stuff sorted out. Now she just has to book those plane tickets with our friends at Jet Blue!

In our Guest House series, we like to invite our fun and fashionable friends over [to the Colorful Blog] to tell you a little bit about themselves. Imagine us saying… “Oooohhh, you just have to meet ___! You’re gonna loooove her/him!” So today we’ve cozied up on the couch next to Cheree Berry, color-lover, fashion-forward entrepreneur and designer of some of Lilly Pulitzer’s Lifeguard Press stationery to spill… (and…um…give us a lollipop tower for one of readers! That was after we giggled for a bit but she caved- read on!)

We’re in full Carolina Cup prep mode! It’s never too early to start celebrating, is it? Oh please, we’re Lilly Lovers, after all- too early to celebrate just doesn’t apply to us. This week we’re highlighting two more of our Carolina Cup destination stores – Palm Avenue (4 locations) and Pink Bee! If you shop any of these locations, drop a line- we’d love to hear from you!

Letting you insiders in on a little secret…some of our family of Signature Stores are running a 3-day special. It’s the Lilly girl’s version of March Madness we suppose with promotions and offers that will surely delight. Visit your favorite participating store or website* March 14-16 to see what kind of madness you should partake in. Sure beats watching basketball, right?!